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Bankruptcy FAQ

Lawyers in Florida Answering Questions About Bankruptcy

How long will Bankruptcy stay on my credit report?

While bankruptcy remains on your credit report for ten years, you are usually able to reestablish your credit in much less time. You can usually reestablish within 1-3 years. You can apply for secured credit cards after filing for bankruptcy which will help in reestablishing their credit.

Does my bankruptcy filing affect my spouse?

No. As long as there was no joint debt the non-filing spouse's credit will not be affected. If there is joint debt, only the filing spouse's obligation will be discharged and the non-filing spouse will remain responsible for the entire debt.

Are student loans discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding?

Educational loans guaranteed by the United States government are generally not discharged by a bankruptcy. They may be dischargeable; however, if the court finds that paying off the loan will impose an undue hardship on the debtor and his or her dependents. In order to qualify for a hardship discharge, the debtor must demonstrate that he or she cannot make payments at the time the bankruptcy is filed and will not be able to make payments in the future. A Hardship discharge of student loans is rarely granted.

Will Bankruptcy stop wage garnishment from an unsecured creditor?
Yes. The wage garnishment will stop once the bankruptcy case is filed and the automatic stay takes effect. The garnishment will continue until the bankruptcy is filed.

Do I have to go to a court hearing before a judge?
No. There is a hearing, called the 341 meeting of the creditors, where a trustee asks you questions.

Do I have to be a United States citizen to file for bankruptcy?
You do not have to be a US citizen or resident in order to file for bankruptcy.

Will the filing of bankruptcy affect my immigration status?
The filing of a bankruptcy does not affect your immigration status but you should consult with your immigration attorney if you are considering filing for bankrupycy.

Get Answers to Your Bankruptcy Questions

To schedule a free consultation with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer, contact the Law Office of Henry Hernandez today.

Se habla español — Free Initial Consultation

Location

Toll Free:
1-866-408-9790

Miami Office:
255 Alhambra Circle
Suite 640
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 305-447-8707
Email | Directions

Naples Office:
12342 Tamiami Trail East
Suite 201
Naples, FL 34113
Phone: 239-530-7443
Email | Directions

Tampa Office:
3705 N. Himes Avenue
Tampa, Fl 33607
Phone: 877-811-5611
Email | Directions

At the Law Office of Henry Hernandez, we represent people in bankruptcies and divorces throughout Florida, including clients in Miami, Naples, Coral Gables, Doral, Kendall, South Miami, Hialeah, Miramar, Homestead, Weston, Tampa, Sarasota, Cape Coral, Fort Meyers, Lehigh Acres, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Collier County and Lee County.

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